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Santa Ana Councilman Pled Guilty To 12 Felony Counts

On Thursday July 25, 2012 Carlos Bustamante, Santa Ana City Councilman, pled not guilty to a dozen felony charges stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted subordinates when he worked in the Orange County Public Works department.

Bustamante was being charged with six felony counts of false imprisonment, three felony counts of assault with intent to commit a sexual offense, and single counts of stalking, attempted sexual battery by restraint and grand theft for misusing public funds. He also faces misdemeanor charges of sexual battery, assault and battery.

The victims consisted of eleven women during an eight year span. According to the prosecution, Bustamante would entice the women into his office, corner them, and kiss or touch them and would sometimes pin them against the wall and masturbate in front of them.

Bustamante has maintained his innocence since resigning from the public works post last fall.

A request by Bustamante’s lawyer to dismiss the case because of “derogatory and inflammatory statements” made by prosecutors to the media will be heard during a hearing on August 30th.

If convicted Bustamante could face more than 26 years in prison.

Sex crimes are very serious and can result in life long consequences. Our Los Angeles Sex Crime Attorneys have handled numerous criminal cases dealing with sex offenses and we are confident in our legal approach towards sex related offenses.

Contact our Sex Crime Lawyers in LA if you are being charged and we will consult with you about your case and all your available options free of charge.